Joe answered readers' questions Dec. 27, 2013

Joe, its pretty quiet leading up to the game. Not much going on and nothing to report. How are you keeping yourself occupied?

by John Studd12/27/2013 8:03:34 PM

Seriously, John, this is so boring. Thanks for the sympathy.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:03:51 PM

Could Jarius Jones be healthy in time for the Rose Bowl?

by jenison1000412/27/2013 8:03:55 PM

No, he won't play. Was to have surgery right after the Big Ten title game, was holding off because he didn't want to miss anything.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:04:20 PM

Have you gone hollywood yet?

by rattlesnake12/27/2013 8:04:21 PM

I did about 12 years ago, but not yet on this trip.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:04:36 PM

Hi Joe, love your coverage of the Spartans. Regarding the loss of Max do you think this restricts their coverages / schemes they can run less blitzing etc and makes them more vulnerable to big plays?

by Jeff 7812/27/2013 8:04:38 PM

Hey, a Max Bullough question. I think it hurts MSU most in terms of checking to respond to a QB check at the line, which Bullough did so well and so often. That doesn't mean Kyler Elsworth and Darien Harris can't do that, but you have to believe Pat Narduzzi all the times he's said Bullough is the best he's had by far in that aspect.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:05:37 PM

Hey Joe - How many years of eligibility will Jeremy Langford have after the Rose Bowl? Is he a true junior or a red-shirt sophomore? Looking forward to another year of development from him.

by jenison1000412/27/2013 8:05:46 PM

He's a fourth-year junior, one year left.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:05:55 PM

As Coach D stated, they are closing ranks etc, so I don't expect to learn much additional on the situtation with Max. But from you contact with the players and coaches, what is the general mood. Do you think this will be a major distraction or will it serve as a means for additional motivation?

by rattlesnake12/27/2013 8:06:13 PM

The mood seemed lot lighter today. I think the Spartans are moving past the initial shock now. They're realizing they're in California, about to play in the Rose Bowl, a lifetime opportunity. But there's no question this stunned them for at least a good day. How could it not? Players talked today about winning this game for Max, but certainly this is a huge distraction as well.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:07:37 PM

Hey Joe, pardon my 'ignorance' here, but any chance that they could move Taiwan Jones into the middle LB position to cover for Bullough? After all, he is a 'big-bodied' guy with speed (and experience...) otherwise, what about moving DT Lawrence Thomas back out to the '2nd Level' in the middle? Also, do you think that Max's younger brother, Riley, could handle the assignment? Thanks, Stephen in Fort Myers, Florida!

by SparTONoFUN8312/27/2013 8:07:44 PM

Taiwan Jones is staying at the star, and that goes for next season as well. Thomas is at DE, won't play LB in college, unless his body changes a lot. Riley, a bit early for him, though he's a contender for the job next year. It's Elsworth and/or Harris, those are the clear best two options.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:08:38 PM

Can you please not allow the entire chat be dominated by Max Bullough questions? I get how important he has been to the team. I am a huge fan of him and the whole Spartan program. But it sure seems like a disservice to all the other players and coaches to focus on one player's mistake -- whatever it might be. Here's hoping we all learn something significant about choices from this incident. With a New Year on the horizon, may be we should each take stock of how our decisions impact the people around us. GO STATE!

by Indiana Sparty12/27/2013 8:08:45 PM

I think we're pretty good on Max stuff by now, Indiana Sparty.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:09:03 PM

Elsworth is an active, emotional player that could start, or at least be the 4th LB, for most collegiate teams, don't you think Joe? Some drop off, but not catastrophic?

by Wiseguy12/27/2013 8:09:06 PM

Though I suppose this question is related. Elsworth is a very good player, I've often thought he could play a lot at a lot of other places. Going to be really interesting to see him in a role like this. I expect him to start, though that's not determined yet.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:09:42 PM

So can we expect a Dantonio trick or two for this game? It seems like every big game has one or two pop up.

by Howard Major12/27/2013 8:09:48 PM

There's no question he'll have a few ready. Doesn't mean they'll be used, but they'll be in the hopper.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:10:25 PM

Nice articles this week Joe, your reaction and columns were spot on. My question and I'm not asking you to speculate on what happened, but can you give myself along with the rest of Spartan nation some assurance that this is not an NCAA infraction that may end up having MSU forfeit wins thus the Big 10 Championship?

by Pasa ryan12/27/2013 8:10:54 PM

I wouldn't worry about that.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:11:11 PM

Come on Joe....we all know you miss the weather in Michigan.

by KeithKZ12/27/2013 8:11:15 PM

I sure do. Ice storm me, please.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:11:25 PM

What's the temp in Pasadena?

by spartanindc12/27/2013 8:11:26 PM

I'm in downtown L.A. right now and it's about 80. Sunny. It's easy to see why everyone is happy all the time out here.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:11:48 PM

Hey Joe....will Dan France play in the Rose bowl? How is he recovering from his injury?

by sheff12/27/2013 8:11:52 PM

He was walking around with no crutches and no limp at Disneyland yesterday. Expected to play. Start? Don't know. Wouldn't be surprised if Travis Jackson starts for him.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:12:19 PM

So does Arnett play middle linebacker in the Rose Bowl? Just kidding, MSU is in the ROSE BOWL. There are 104 players on that roster who have put there whole college career into this, MSU will be fine. I would be more worried if it was an option/spread team, but that is not the beast that is Stanford.

Let’s keep the trolling questions to a minimum today. I know you will get a bunch of them since MSU is where a lot of other teams want to be.

by rope_one12/27/2013 8:12:36 PM

Rex when did Dantonio actually find out about the Bullough incident?

by Mark12/27/2013 8:12:50 PM

Trying to avoid these, but this is a good one. MSU practiced Saturday and went home, and everything was normal at that point. So ... after that.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:13:19 PM

Joe any word/rumors on Tyler O'Connor? At this time does it look like he will be at state next year or possibly transferring?

by sheff12/27/2013 8:13:43 PM

Rumors? No. But he's a logical candidate. Nothing on that yet.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:13:59 PM

Joe, how should I dress for the game? I heard it can get chilly after halftime.

by Dr.J12/27/2013 8:14:23 PM

Yeah, maybe a light jacket for when the sun goes down.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:14:35 PM

Do you think that there's a legitimate chance that the Offense explodes and renders the absence of max no big deal

by SpartanH2012/27/2013 8:14:59 PM

It's going to be tough for the MSU offense to "explode" against that outstanding Stanford defense. I think if either team can get to the mid-20s, that team wins.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:15:23 PM

When are you going to interview Johnny Spirit?

by Smashsquash12/27/2013 8:15:31 PM

Hopefully soon. Will keep you posted.

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:15:49 PM

Joe, I want you to know that I Respect you. Not only as a writer, but also as a person. You're a good person and a good writer!!!

by Guest12/27/2013 8:15:52 PM

OK, who's trolling me? Shawn Windsor is sitting at the same table right now. Is that you, Shawn?

by Joe Rexrode12/27/2013 8:16:08 PM

Thank you Joe for some peace of mind. I keep hearing that Stanford's fronts on both sides are big, will we have a speed advantage? Be able to stop and run the ball?

by Pasa ryan12/27/2013 8:16:23 PM

Honestly, if Jeremy Langford can get to 70-plus yards, that's a big win for MSU. If he gets 100-plus, hard for me to see MSU losing. But that will be very difficult to do against this defense. Can MSU stop the run? I think the Spartans can, and they'll have to, obviously.